How To Apply
What We Look For
We look for the following in applicants:
• a baccalaureate degree from an academic institution of recognized standing, or equivalent coursework
• adequate preparation for graduate study of physics as witnessed by an academic transcript of undergraduate courses
• fluent command of the English language—foreign students for whom English is a second language should submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
• evidence of promise in advanced study and research
• three strong letters of recommendation, at least two from professors in a position to write about your fitness for graduate work in physics
• the Graduate Record Exam and the GRE Physics Subject Test is required for all applicants
• students of any race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, nationality or ethnic origin
Transfer Students
A student who has begun graduate study at another university will only be admitted under extraordinary circumstances. Graduate students and professors need to know one another well before starting a thesis project together, and the early period of a graduate student’s time at Cornell provides an opportunity for this acquaintance. A student who arrives later in his/her career misses this. Admission to the program at an advanced level is possible only if a research position is available in the appropriate research group. Before submitting a formal application, a student with advanced preparation should contact the professor or research group with which he or she would like to work and determine that a research position is likely to be available.
Application Process
All application materials must be received by Cornell no later than December 15. All supporting documents, including academic transcripts, test scores, and letters of recommendation, must be received by this date. The following must be completed when applying:
Grad School Application
Complete the Cornell Graduate School Application on-line. In the section on “Academic Information” indicate that your proposed field is “Physics.” For your major subject area/concentration, indicate a possible area of interest, for example “condensed matter theory” or “experimental particle physics.” Your choice is by no means binding. It merely gives some indication of the interests of prospective class members. As described in the Application Guidelines, the Graduate School also asks you to submit a Statement of Purpose, transcripts, and letters of recommendation. Follow the physics-specific instructions below for these application materials. The application fee is $70.
Physics Department Recommendation Form
Select with care the three persons you ask to write letters of recommendation in support of your application. At least two must be professors of physics who are well acquainted with your preparation and fitness for graduate work. If you are having your recommenders submit their letters online, they will be supplied with the proper recommendation form. If you are mailing in written references, we ask that you please use the Department of Physics recommendation forms provided at the bottom of this page.
Statement of Purpose
Write a Statement of Purpose. Your statement, online or on paper, should include a description of any previous research or teaching experience, indicating the nature of the work, the institution where the work was performed, and the name and title of the person directing it. Also indicate any interest you have in particular areas of physics, and your professional aims after you receive your Ph.D. If you have written a “Personal Statement” as part of the online application, you do not need to send in a separate paper Statement of Purpose.
Transcripts
Arrange to have one official transcript from each college or university you’ve attended sent directly to: Graduate Admissions, Physics Department, Cornell University, 117 Clark Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853.
GRE
Take the Graduate Record Exam AND the GRE Physics Subject test. Ensure that your scores are officially reported by the Educational Testing Service to the Cornell Graduate School (Institution Code #2098, Department Code #0899). Scores must arrive before the December 15 deadline.
TOEFL
If necessary, submit a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Score. The TOEFL is required for those applicants whose native language is not English. Scores must be officially reported by the Educational Testing Service to the Cornell Graduate School (Institution Code #2098, Department Code #76). Scores must arrive before the December 15 deadline. Please note that the minimum TOEFL score for consideration by the Department of Physics is 620 (paper-based) / 260 (computer-based)/ 105 (Internet-based/IBT). The IBT includes section minimums of Writing: 20, Listening: 15, Reading: 20 and Speaking: 22. An applicant may request a TOEFL exemption if he or she holds a two-year degree from a university in a country where the primary language is English and the instruction was in English, or the applicant studied for two or more years in a country where the primary language is English and the instruction was in English.
Admissions Decisions
All admissions decisions for applications for the fall of 2008 will be made by mid-March of 2008. The majority of decisions will be made much earlier. We regret that due to the number of files received and reviewed by the Admissions Committee each year, we are unable to provide feedback on individual applications. All decisions of the Cornell Physics Admissions Committee are final.
Related Links:
Apply Online
Supplementary Application Form
International Degree Equivalences